April 2016
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................1
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (AANPCP)..................... 3
ABOUT AANPCP ......................................................................................................................................... 3
MISSION, VISION, PURPOSE, & PROGRAM GOALS ............................................................................................. 4
ACCREDITATION, RECOGNITION, AND AFFILIATION ............................................................................................ 4
CREDENTIAL: NP-C ® ................................................................................................................................... 5
CERTIFICANT RESPONSIBILITY ......................................................................................................................... 5
CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE AANPCP ............................................................................................. 6
ONLINE PROFILE .......................................................................................................................................... 6
NAME AND ADDRESS CHANGES ...................................................................................................................... 6
REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATES AND WALLET CARDS............................................................................................. 7
CONTACT US ............................................................................................................................................... 7
CERTIFICATION FEES .........................................................................................................................7
NURSE PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATIONS AND EXAMINATIONS OFFERED ............................................. 8
FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER (FNP) CERTIFICATION ......................................................................................... 8
ADULT-GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER (A-GNP) CERTIFICATION.......................................... 8
ADULT NURSE PRACTITIONER (ANP) CERTIFICATION – EXAMINATION WILL BE RETIRED DECEMBER 2016................. 8
GERONTOLOGIC NURSE PRACTITIONER (GNP) CERTIFICATION – EXAMINATION RETIRED ......................................... 8
EMERGENCY NURSE PRACTITIONER SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION FOR FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONERS ........................... 8
QUALIFICATIONS AND ELIGIBILITY..................................................................................................... 9
EXAMINATION DESCRIPTION AND CONTENT ..................................................................................... 9
TAKING THE EXAMINATION ............................................................................................................ 11
APPLICATION PROCESS................................................................................................................................ 11
SCHEDULING AN EXAMINATION .................................................................................................................... 11
ELIGIBILITY-TO-TEST NOTIFICATION............................................................................................................... 12
CANCELLATION OR RESCHEDULING AN EXAMINATION ...................................................................................... 12
WITHDRAWAL FROM EXAM ......................................................................................................................... 12
EXTENSION REQUESTS ................................................................................................................................ 12
EXAMINATION SECURITY CONDITIONS ........................................................................................................... 12
EXAMINATION SCORING AND RESULTS........................................................................................................... 13
EXAMINATION RESULTS............................................................................................................................... 13
RETAKING THE EXAMINATION ...................................................................................................................... 14
PRACTICE EXAMINATION ............................................................................................................................. 14
AANPCP POLICIES ........................................................................................................................... 15
NONDISCRIMINATION ................................................................................................................................. 15
CONFIDENTIALITY AND DISCLOSURE .............................................................................................................. 15
AGGREGATE SCORE REPORTS ....................................................................................................................... 15
RECORDS RETENTION ................................................................................................................................. 15
APPEALS ................................................................................................................................................... 15
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS/ARRANGEMENTS ............................................................................................... 16
VERIFICATION REQUESTS ................................................................................................................ 17
ABOUT PRIMARY SOURCE VERIFICATION ........................................................................................................ 17
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
STATE BOARDS OF NURSING (SBON) ............................................................................................................ 17
THIRD-PARTY VENDOR REQUEST .................................................................................................................. 17
RENEWAL AND MAINTENANCE OF CERTIFICATION .......................................................................... 18
CERTIFICATION EXPIRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2016 .......................................................................... 18
CERTIFICATION EXPIRES ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2017 ................................................................................. 18
RENEW BY CLINICAL PRACTICE AND CE .......................................................................................................... 18
PRECEPTING .............................................................................................................................................. 20
RENEWAL BY EXAMINATION......................................................................................................................... 20
CERTIFICANTS WHOSE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM IS RETIRED ............................................................................. 21
CERTIFICATION EXPIRED .............................................................................................................................. 21
APPENDIX A - AANP SCOPE OF PRACTICE FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS ............................................. 23
APPENDIX B - AANP STANDARDS OF PRACTICE FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS .................................... 24
APPENDIX C - AANPCP EXAMINATION CONTENT AND BLUEPRINT.................................................... 26
APPENDIX D - REFERENCE LIST FOR 2016 CERTIFICATION EXAMINATIONS ........................................ 33
APPENDIX E - SAMPLE QUESTIONS .................................................................................................. 35
APPENDIX F - SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS REQUEST FORM ........................................................... 37
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP)
*Adult Nurse Practitioner Exam
- Examination will be retired December 24th, 2016
- Application deadline is Monday, August 15th, 2016
- Last day to test is Friday, December 23rd, 2016
This HANDBOOK provides nurse practitioner (NP)
candidates and graduates of approved graduate, postgraduate, or doctoral level graduate nursing programs
desiring to sit for the Adult Nurse Practitioner*, Family
Nurse Practitioner, or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination with
essential
information
regarding
eligibility
requirements, the application process, testing
information and other important information related
to AANPCP certification examinations.
NP Certification expires automatically at the end of the 5-year certification period unless renewed. This
HANDBOOK provides AANPCP certificants with important information regarding the requirements and procedures
for certification renewal. In order to remain certified and use the NP-C® credential, a nurse practitioner certified by
AANPCP (Certificant) must maintain competence and renew their certification by meeting the requirements
established by the AANPCP. Individuals currently certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) or Gerontologic
Nurse Practitioner (GNP) will continue to be certified and recognized by AANPCP as long as minimum requirements
for the renewal of certification by clinical practice hours and continuing education are met and the certification
does not expire.
Content in this Handbook is subject to change without notice.
About AANPCP
The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board:
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Was established under the direction of Dr. Jan Towers
AANPCP
PhD, NP-C, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP in the early 1990s.
Was established for the purpose of evaluation of
Certifications Awarded
individuals wishing to enter, continue, and/or advance in
FNP
59,630
the NP profession through the certification process.
ANP
8,651
Currently does business as the American Academy of
Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP).
AGNP
4,626
Certifies Adult Nurse Practitioners, Family Nurse
GNP
245
Practitioners, Gerontologic Nurse Practitioners, and
Total
73,512
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners.
(April 7, 2016)
Retired the GNP certification examination in December
2012.
Will retire the ANP certification examination in December
2016 to comply with the national Consensus Model for APRN Regulation.
Will launch the Emergency Nurse Practitioner specialty certification examination for eligible Family
Nurse Practitioners in January 2017.
AANPCP is a separately incorporated, nonprofit, independent organization overseen by a Commission composed
of dedicated, knowledgeable, experienced, nurse practitioners representative of the certificants. Commissioners
are elected by AANPCP Certificants; elections are held annually. The commission governs all of the major decisions
affecting the certification programs and processes, and offers input and guidance into organizational decisions. One
public member who is not a healthcare professional is elected to the Commission to represent and protect the
public.
AANPCP I P.O. Box 12926 Austin, TX 78711-2926 I Phone 512-637-0500 I Toll 855-822-6727 I Fax 512-637-0540 I www.AANPCERT.org I
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
Mission, Vision, Purpose, & Program Goals
MISSION
The mission of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program is to provide excellence in
testing and certification for nurse practitioners.
VISION
Adhering to and upholding the highest standards for Nurse Practitioners in the realm of certification.
PURPOSE
The National Certification Board was established as a certification body for the evaluation of individuals who wish
to enter, continue, and/or advance in the profession through an established certification process.
PROGRAM GOALS
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Ensure individuals meet predetermined criteria necessary for certification that serve to protect the
public.
Define the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to practice as a Nurse Practitioner.
Utilize established professional principles of testing and measurement to test the knowledge, skills, and
abilities of a Nurse Practitioner.
Promote the value of Nurse Practitioners in the delivery of patient care to the public.
Assist the health care community and the public to make informed decisions regarding Nurse
Practitioners.
Provide a high-quality certification program for Nurse Practitioners.
Support research that validates the certification program and explores methods related to continued
competency.
Serve in a leadership role for the credentialing of Nurse Practitioners.
Accreditation, Recognition, and Affiliation
ACCREDITATION
The certification programs offered by AANPCP are accredited by both the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing
Certification, Inc. (ABSNC) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
The Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification, Inc. (ABSNC),
formerly known as the ABNS Accreditation Council, is the only accrediting
body specifically for nursing certification. ABSNC accreditation provides a
peer‐review mechanism that allows nursing certification organizations to obtain accreditation of their certification
programs by demonstrating compliance with the highest quality standards available in the industry. The AANPCP
Adult and Family NP certification programs are accredited through October 1st, 2017, and the Adult-Gerontology
Primary Care certification program is accredited through December 4th, 2018.
The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accrediting body of the Institute
for Credentialing Excellence (ICE), serves to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public
through the accreditation of certification programs and organizations that assess professional
competence. Accreditation by NCCA indicates AANPCP compliance with the NCCA Standards for
the Accreditation of Certification Programs. The AANPCP Adult and Family NP certification
programs are accredited through November 2017. The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care certification program is
accredited through January 2019.
RECOGNITION
The certification program is recognized by all State Boards of Nursing, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS), the Veterans Administration, private managed care organizations, institutions, and health care
agencies for credentialing purposes.
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
AFFILIATION
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) - AANPCP is affiliated with AANP - the largest full-service
national professional membership organization for NPs of all specialties. Membership with the American
Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) professional organization is neither a requirement for, nor an indication
of, certification. AANPCP and AANP are independent organizations, consequently, any account information or
member number received from one organization is held separately by each organization. Certification numbers &
Membership numbers are uniquely different. Please contact AANP at www.aanp.org if assistance is needed with
AANP membership or their CE Center.
American Academy of Emergency Nurse Practitioners (AAENP) - AANPCP is affiliated with the AAENP, a
professional membership organization for NPs providing emergency care for patients of all ages and acuities.
Credential: NP-C ®
NP-C ® means “Nurse Practitioner-Certified”.
NP-C® is the registered trademark of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Board,
Inc. It is the credential authorized for use by those individuals who have met the standards, qualifications, and
testing requirements established by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Board, Inc.
The first letter of the population specialty (i.e., A, F, G, or AG) precedes the certification number and is printed on
both the certificate and the wallet card. The initial A, F, G, or A-G indicating population specialty may precede the
NP-C credential. Use of these initials, however, depends upon individual, state board of nursing, and/or employer
preference.
Certificants meeting requirements for renewal of their certification are authorized to continue to use the credential.
Individuals who allow their AANPCP certification to expire may not use the NP-C® credential and may not
represent themselves as being certified by AANPCP.
Certificant Responsibility
Certification is granted for 5-year based on a review of the literature and consultation with credentialing experts.
The AANPCP Commission determined that a 5-year cycle of certification meets the requirements to ensure the
continued competence of NPs certified by AANPCP. This decision has been reviewed periodically in conjunction
with subsequent practice analyses.
The certification renewal process provides both the process to validate a certification and a mechanism to assure
the public that nurse practitioners certified by AANPCP have met current professional standards of qualifications
and knowledge for practice required to maintain certification as an Adult, Family, Gerontologic, or AdultGerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.
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Certification expires automatically at the end of the 5-year certification period.
Certificants are responsible for completing all requirements for renewal of certification PRIOR to
expiration.
Renewal of certification is required for continued use of the NP-C® credential.
Individuals who allow their AANPCP certification to expire may not represent themselves as being
certified by AANPCP.
Certificants subscribe to the Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners (Appendix A) and the Standards of Practice
for Nurse Practitioners (Appendix B) established by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), and
the American Nurses Association’s Advanced Practice Nurses Scope of Practice.
Failure to keep the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Board, Inc. (American
Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program) informed of current email address and contact information
may result in non-receipt of important information, such as status of an application, program changes, or renewal
notices. Failure of a certificant to receive their renewal notice does not relieve the individual of the professional
responsibility for renewing their certification prior to their expiration date. AANPCP is not responsible for financial
AANPCP I P.O. Box 12926 Austin, TX 78711-2926 I Phone 512-637-0500 I Toll 855-822-6727 I Fax 512-637-0540 I www.AANPCERT.org I
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
or other damages occurring with respect to expiration of a certification due to lack of notification of a change to
their contact address or email information.
Correspondence with the AANPCP
It is important that Candidates and Certificants inform AANPCP when they change their mailing address.
Applicants are encouraged to visit the AANPCP website often at www.aanpcert.org for information regarding the
certification examinations, applications, requirements, regulations, renewal processes, APRN news, new
information, and FAQs.
Correspondence received from AANPCP
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If an application is missing information, reminders are emailed weekly from the database.
AANPCP will notify applicants and certificants by email of important information concerning the
certification program (e.g.; commissioner elections, changes to a certification program). General
announcements will be posted on the website.
AANPCP is not responsible for email sent from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners
membership organization (www.aanp.org).
As a courtesy, a postcard reminder is mailed to the certificant’s last known mailing address on file 12months prior to expiration of the NP certification. A second postcard is mailed at 6 months if the
certificant has not yet initiated their renewal application. An attempt is also made to notify certificants
via email.
Online Profile
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Applicants and Certificants create an Online Profile account at www.aanpcert.org.
Documents can be uploaded, application status viewed, and printable wallet card accessed online.
Certificants creating an On-line Profile account for the first time should allow 2 business days for linking
of previous certification information with their new application in the Certification Management System.
It is important that Certificants update their Online Profile or notify AANPCP of changes to their contact
information during their period of certification. Contact information such as a change of name or address
can be updated online.
Name and Address Changes
Applicants applying for initial certification and Certificants certified by AANPCP are responsible for updating their
Online Profile or notifying AANPCP of changes to their legal name or contact information.
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An applicant or Certificant may make changes to their own name and contact information at any time by
logging into their Online Profile using their username and password.
Five business days should be allowed from time of receipt for the processing of mailed, emailed, or
faxed requests for changes to name or contact information.
A Request for Change of Name, Address, or Certification Status Form giving AANPCP permission to
make the change can be found online.
Legal Name Changes
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In the event of a legal name change, a copy of supporting documentation (e.g., court record, marriage
license) providing proof of the name change must accompany the Request for Change of Name,
Address, or Certification Status Form.
Requests may be submitted via email, fax, or mail to the AANPCP office.
Candidate’s names must match on their application, testing site registration, and forms of identification
required by the testing center for an applicant to sit for their scheduled examination.
If a candidate’s application has been approved, it is recommended that a legal name change request
be made after they have sat for their examination and received preliminary notification of test status
to avoid problems with identification documents at the testing center.
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
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A name change may be made by the candidate online within 24 hours of sitting for the examination. This
process will help to ensure that the candidate’s certificate and wallet card reflects their new name.
Replacement Certificates and Wallet Cards
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A printable wallet card is available on a certificant’s online account.
To order a duplicate parchment certificate, completing the Request for Replacement AANPCP
Certificate Packet Form and submit it with the appropriate fee to AANPCP.
Contact Us
Email is the preferred method for general correspondence. Copies of RN licenses, completed paper applications,
and correspondence may be mailed, faxed, or emailed.
Email:
certification@aanpcert.org
Certification Administration:
(512) 637-0500
Toll-free Number:
(855) 822-6727
Fax:
(512) 637-0540
Transcripts:
transcripts@aanpcert.org
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May be sent to AANPCP via secure electronic transmission from a University Registrar.
May be mailed directly to AANPCP by a University Registrar in a sealed envelope.
May be obtained from a University Registrar in a sealed envelope and mailed to AANPCP without
opening the sealed envelope.
Mailing Address:
Street address for courier delivery:
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AANPCP
P.O. Box 12926
Austin, TX 78711-2926
If an applicant wishes to ensure that materials are received by AANPCP, it is recommended that
a guaranteed delivery service be used. Correspondence should be addressed to:
AANPCP
2600 Via Fortuna, Suite 240
Austin, TX 78746-7006
Certification Fees
Fees may be found on the Certification website www.aanpcert.org.
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Fees are shown in and must be paid in U.S. dollars, and are subject to change without notification.
Complete applications are processed in a timely manner, therefore, AANPCP does not expedite the
processing of applications.
A paper processing fee is charged for paper applications received via mail, email, or fax.
There is no charge for processing of supporting documents received by AANPCP for the purposes of
certification and recertification (e.g., RN licenses, CEs, unofficial transcripts).
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Nurse Practitioner Certifications and Examinations Offered
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certification
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) examination tests clinical knowledge in family/individual across the life span
(prenatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, elderly, and frail elderly primary care). Nurse Practitioners certified by
AANPCP as a Family Nurse Practitioner will continue to be certified, credentialed, and recognized by AANPCP as
long as the minimum requirements for renewal of certification are met and the certification does not lapse.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP) Certification
The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP) examination tests clinical knowledge of young
adults (including adolescents and emancipated minors), adults, and older adults (including young-old, old, and oldold adults). Applicants who have graduated from and met the requirements of adult-gerontology primary care
coursework are not eligible to take the Adult examination. Certificants who are Dual-certified by AANPCP as both
an ANP and a GNP are eligible to apply for conversion to the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP) through
the AANPCP Conversion Application process.
Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) Certification – Examination Will Be Retired December 2016
The Adult Nurse Practitioner Certification examination will be retired in December 2016 to comply with the APRN
Consensus Model. The last day to submit an application for the Adult certification examination is Monday, August
15th, 2016 to allow sufficient time to process and schedule a testing date prior to the December deadline. The last
day that a candidate will be allowed to take the examination at a testing center will be Friday, December 23rd, 2016.
The Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) examination tests clinical knowledge of adolescent, adult, elderly, and frail
elderly primary care. NPs currently certified by AANPCP as an ANP will continue to be certified and recognized as
an NP-C® by AANPCP as long as current requirements for renewal of certification are met and the certification does
not expire. ANPs who allow their certification to expire will be unable to renew it by examination after the exam is
retired. ANPs should check with their individual State Boards of Nursing for further requirements or stipulations
regarding practice as an ANP.
AANPCP Certifications (Date of Initial Exam Administration)
Gerontologic Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
Certification – Examination Retired
Adult NP (1994)
The Gerontologic Certification examination
was retired at the end of 2012 to meet
Adult-Gero Primary Care NP (2013)
regulatory requirements of the APRN Consensus
Emergency Specialty NP (2017)
Model for role and population foci. NPs
currently certified by AANPCP as a Gerontologic
Retired Certification Examinations
Nurse Practitioner (GNP) will continue to be
Gerontologic NP (2007) Retired December 2012
certified and recognized as an NP-C® by AANPCP
Adult NP (1994) Retires December 2016
as long as current requirements for renewal of
certification are met and the certification does
not expire. GNPs who allow their certification to expire will be unable to renew it.
Family NP (1994)
Emergency Nurse Practitioner Specialty Certification for Family Nurse Practitioners
AANPCP is collaborating with the American Academy of Emergency Nurse Practitioners (AAENP) to develop the
Emergency Nurse Practitioner specialty certification examination for Family Nurse Practitioners who work in the
emergency care. Due to the lifespan scope of the ENP examination, only certified FNPs who meet eligibility criteria
will be able to take the AANPCP Emergency NP certification examination. This specialty certification examination is
expected to become available in January 2017. Information will be available on the AANPCP website in the FAQ
section.
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Qualifications and Eligibility
AANPCP certification examinations are entry-level, competency-based examinations reflective of knowledge and
expertise in the NP role and population areas of Adult, Family, and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care. AANPCP offers
the certification examination to graduates of accredited graduate, post-graduate, and doctoral level nurse
practitioner programs who meet specific eligibility requirements to sit for the examinations. Areas of test content
are associated with the APRN role, population foci, wellness-illness continuum, and associated problem areas.
Qualifications for Taking the AANPCP Certification examination
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Applicants must meet specific educational requirements that prepare graduate, post-graduate, or
doctoral students in the national competencies of the APRN core, NP role, and population foci of adult,
adult-gerontology primary care or family.
Programs in the U.S. must be accredited by a national nursing organization recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education (e.g. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) or the
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Programs in Canadian Provinces/ Territories must
be approved by a national nursing organization.
Successful completion of program required faculty-supervised clinical clock hours;
Completion of the APRN core courses: advanced physical assessment, advanced pharmacology, and
advanced pathophysiology;
Current U.S. or Canadian registered nurse licensure;
Interim transcript showing completed academic “coursework-to-date” or final official transcript showing
degree and date awarded (conferred).
Eligibility Process
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MSN or post-masters certificate NP students may begin the application process as early as 6 months
before completion of their program.
Applicants enrolled in Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs may begin the application process as
early as 1 year prior to completion of their program.
Candidates need to establish an Online Profile account with AANPCP.
Normal processing time for initial applications may take 3 to 6 weeks, depending upon receipt of a
complete application, which includes all required documents and applicable fees.
Once an application has been processed and required documents received, the application is forwarded
for professional review by qualified Certified Nurse Practitioners.
Applicants are notified by email once weekly of information needed to complete an application.
Candidates may not take the examination more than TWICE in a calendar year (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31).
Examination Description and Content
Purpose
The purpose of a certification examination is to determine whether a candidate has met the standards required to
be certified. Under the direction of the Certification Commission, AANPCP develops entry-level, competency-based
certification examinations reflective of knowledge and expertise in the NP specialties of adult, family, and adultgerontology primary care. This is accomplished in partnership with a contracted test development organization
whose program director and psychometric consultants help to ensure that AANPCP certification examinations are
developed and maintained in a manner consistent with generally accepted psychometric principles, education
testing practices, and national accreditation standards for certification programs.
Examination Development
The Certification Program selects panels of certified Adult, Family, Gerontologic, and Adult-Gerontology Primary
Care Nurse Practitioner content experts engaged in clinical practice, academic environments, and diverse
geographical areas to assist in all phases of the development of the examinations. The rigor of the examination
development process guarantees quality competency-based certification examinations.
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Major components of the examination development process
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Practice Analysis - Examinations are based on a Practice Analysis, also known as Role Delineation
Studies. These are objective measures of the knowledge and skills required of competent nurse
practitioners and provides the foundation for defining AANPCP Knowledge Areas and Testing Domains
(See Appendix C).
Examination Blueprint – Specifications derived from the Practice Analyses serve as the Examination
Blueprint. Nurse Practitioner content experts, also referred to as subject matter experts (SMEs),
develop and review all items for content relevance, competency level, currency, and importance.
Examination Construction - The development of all items is directly linked to the Examination Blueprint
to guarantee consistent emphasis on content areas from one examination to another. Each item is
reviewed for psychometric quality; editorial staff review each item for grammar, spelling, and usage; and
additional panels of content experts conduct a final review of each certification examination. All items are
secured in an Examination Item Bank. AANPCP maintains ownership of all items in the bank, and item
access is restricted to authorized personnel requiring approval of the AANPCP Chief Executive Officer.
Standard Setting - Industry-accepted psychometrically sound performance standards are used to
establish the Passing Point for all new exams
Examination Content
Each examination consists of 150 multiple-choice items (15 items are pretest questions which are not counted in
the final score. See Appendix C – For Examination Content, Blueprint, and Knowledge Areas.
The test content outline for existing AANPCP examinations:
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Tests the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for entry-level NP practice;
Is focused solely on requirements for safe clinical practice;
Is limited to content that can be tested in an objective format;
Is process-focused based on the assessment, diagnosis, formulation, planning, and implementation of
treatment plans, evaluation, and follow-up components of patient care;
Examines knowledge of health promotion, health protection, disease prevention, and diagnosis and
management of acute episodic and chronic illness in primary care;
Is associated with the APRN role, population foci, wellness-illness continuum, and associated problem
areas;
Are developed annually, and current therapeutic guidelines are used to reference exam items.
Entry-level Nurse Practitioners are expected to apply knowledge of the following to the process in the assessment,
diagnosis, and management of patients in their care:



Graduate Core Competencies, can be defined as the integrated knowledge, skills, judgment, and
attributes required of an APRN to practice safely and ethically in a designated role and setting.
APRN Core Content (advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health
assessment).
Psychology and Sociology.
APRN Role and Population Foci



The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) examination tests clinical knowledge in family/individual across the
life span.
The Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) examination tests clinical knowledge of adolescent, adult, elderly
and frail elderly primary care.
The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP) examination tests clinical knowledge of
young adults (including adolescents and emancipated minors), adults, and older adults (including youngold, old, and old-old adults).
Age Parameters

Age Parameters are not defined for any population. AANPCP uses growth and development for
constructing the certification exams.
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Taking the Examination
Application Process
While applicants have the option of applying for certification via paper application, online applications and
electronic submissions are preferred. An additional fee will be assessed for processing of a paper application.
To avoid loss of information submitted, it is recommended that an application be completed in its entirety within
30 days once started.
Scheduling an Examination
AANPCP Certification Examinations are administered via computer-based testing format by PSI Services, LLC (PSI)
at PSI Testing Centers, which are located throughout the United States and Canada. Questions concerning
examination administration should be referred to PSI.



Before a candidate can schedule their test date, they must create an account with PSI at
www.psiexams.com.
After a candidate is deemed eligible to test and received notification of eligibility from both AANPCP and
PSI, the fastest and most convenient way to schedule a testing appointment is online by accessing the
PSI scheduling website at www.psiexams.com.
Candidates may also contact a PSI Customer Service Representative at (800) 733-9267 during PSI hours
of operation.
Visit www.psiexams.com for the following information:








Schedule an exam
Required Identification for Exam Site
Special Accommodations
Testing Center Regulations
Reschedule an exam
Cancel a Scheduled exam
Practice Examination
Find Testing Center Sites Near You
IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION
IF YOU:

ARRIVE LATE FOR YOUR SCHEDULED
EXAMINATION TIME;

THEN YOU:

WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TAKE YOUR
EXAMINATION AS SCHEDULED;
DO NOT CANCEL AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE
THE SCHEDULED EXAMINATION DATE;

WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING ANY
APPLICABLE TESTING CENTER FEES; AND

MISS YOUR SCHEDULED EXAMINATION
APPOINTMENT; OR

WILL FORFEIT YOUR FEE AND REQUIRE A
NEW REGISTRATION NUMBER.

ARRIVE WITHOUT REQUIRED IDENTIFICATION,
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Eligibility-to-Test Notification
Candidates are not allowed to sit for an examination until after they have completed their NP program.





Applications are reviewed to determine qualification to take the examination and for completeness.
Qualified candidates will be eligible to sit for an examination after they have completed all of the didactic
and clinical coursework required in the nurse practitioner portion of their program. Candidates who
submit an application prior to completing their NP program will receive their Eligibility to Test (ETT)
notification by email after all NP program coursework is complete.
When an application is approved, an email notification of the approval will be sent to the candidate.
When eligibility is verified, AANPCP will email notification to both the candidate and PSI of the
candidate's eligibility to test.
Upon notification (typically within 24 hours), PSI will send the candidate an eligibility confirmation email
which will provide the candidate with their Eligibility ID Number, grant the 120-day testing window, and
provide important instructions for scheduling a testing appointment at PSI Testing Centers.
Cancellation or Rescheduling an Examination
Applicants must follow PSI guidelines. Any change to a scheduled examination appointment must be done either
online by accessing PSI’s scheduling website at www.psiexams.com or by contacting a PSI Customer Service
Representative at (800) 733-9267 during PSI’s hours of operation.
Withdrawal from Exam
Applicants wishing to withdraw from taking the examination must submit a written request to AANPCP.


If the request is received before expiration of the 120-day testing window AND the candidate has not
scheduled an examination with PSI, then the registration fee, less a processing fee, will be refunded to the
applicant within 30 days.
Candidates who withdraw after an appointment is made, do not cancel appropriately, or do not sit for
their scheduled examination will not be entitled to a refund and will be responsible for applicable fees.
Extension Requests
Candidates unable to sit for the examination within their 120-day window to test may be granted a one-time
extension on a case-by-case basis for reasons of hardship with sufficient justification.



Extension requests should be sent to AANPCP at certification@aanpcert.org.
If an extension is granted, the candidate will receive one 60-day window to test only.
Candidates who do not test during the 60-day extension window forfeit applicable fees, will need to
reapply to take the examination, and pay the applicable fees.
Examination Security Conditions
The certification examinations and all items on the examinations are the exclusive property of the American
Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board, Inc. Candidates who apply for AANPCP Certification
Examinations must acknowledge that they understand the following prior to taking the examination:




Federal copyright law protects AANPCP examinations and the items contained therein;
Retention, possession, copying, distribution, disclosure, discussion or receipt of any AANPCP certification
examination question, in whole or in part, by written, electronic, oral or other form of communication,
including but not limited to emailing, copying or printing of electronic files, and reconstruction through
memorization and/or dictation, before, during or after the certification examination is strictly prohibited.
Theft or attempted theft of examination content is punishable by law;
Candidate participation in any irregularity occurring during or after this examination such as giving or
obtaining unauthorized information or aid, as evidenced by an observation or subsequent statistical
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016

analysis, may be sufficient cause to terminate participation, invalidate the results of the examination, or
necessitate other appropriate action; and
Incidents regarding test security or examination administration will be reported to the Certification
Commission. Grounds for sanction may be warranted.
PSI Exam Security Procedures may be accessed in the Candidate Information Bulletin online at
www.psiexams.com.
Examination Scoring and Results
How Examination are Scored
AANPCP examinations are criterion-referenced tests designed to assess knowledge required for entry-level
practice as a nurse practitioner. In a criterion-referenced examination, a candidate must obtain a score equal to or
higher than the "passing score" to pass the test. The passing score represents absolute standards and is determined
using psychometrically accepted standard-setting methodology. It is a complex scoring system that assesses
standards that define what candidates “should know” for entry-level NP practice. Exam results are reported as a
“scaled score” (passing score). The scaled score is neither a “number correct” nor a “percent correct” score. The
total number of correct responses is called the total raw score.
Total raw scores are converted to a scaled score ranging from 200 to 800 points using statistical procedures
equivalent for all administrations of the examination. A minimum passing scaled score of 500 must be obtained to
pass the examination. A candidate’s performance on the examination is not compared to the performance of
others taking the examination.
Examination Results
Test Scores





Candidates view a Pass or Fail status on the computer upon completion of the examination.
A preliminary report received of Pass at the testing site is not official notification, does not indicate
active certification status, and may NOT be used for employment or licensure as an NP.
A candidate's examination score is considered confidential information and will not be disclosed to
anyone other than the candidate without specific written instructions from the candidate indicating to
whom and why the information is to be disclosed.
Results will not be given out by telephone, email, or fax.
Examination scores are sent to AANPCP weekly.
Candidates who pass the Exam




Before a score report can be released to a candidate, AANPCP must receive the candidate’s official final
transcript showing the degree conferred by the educational program with date awarded. In the case of a
post-graduate certificate program, a certificate is required in addition to the official final graduate
transcript.
As soon as a score is released by AANPCP, a printable wallet card with certification status is viewable on
the individual’s Online Account.
State Board of Nursing (SBON) Verification Requests and primary source verification will be sent the
following business day following score release (See Verification Requests).
When all requirements for certification have been met, an official score letter with the certification
number, personalized certificate, laminated wallet card, and lapel pin will be mailed to the Certificant
within 2 weeks.
In the event a candidate does not pass the Exam

Before a score report can be released to a candidate, AANPCP must receive the candidate’s official final
transcript showing the degree conferred by the educational program with date awarded. In the case of a
post-graduate certificate program, a certificate is required in addition to the official final graduate
transcript.
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



Candidates who do not pass the certification examination receive an official score letter indicating failure
to pass with score, areas of strength and weakness in the four Testing Domains (see Appendix D).
State Board of Nursing (SBON) Verification Requests and primary source verification will be sent the
following business day following score release (See Primary Source Verification Requests).
Candidates may apply to retake the examination after completion of a general review course or
additional advanced practice continuing education. (See Retaking the Examination).
Candidates who do not pass the examination and wish to appeal their exam score will be charged a fee
for hand scoring by the testing vendor. (See Policy: Appeals). AANPCP examinations are computer-based
and electronically scored, therefore, errors in scoring are virtually non-existent.
Candidates enrolled in a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program




Candidates enrolled in a DNP program may sit for the certification examination in the area of their
specialty AFTER all of the advanced practice clinical requirements of their DNP program are completed.
To be eligible to test, DNP candidates must have completed all of their NP program’s didactic courses
including the faculty-supervised clinical practice hours required for that program.
Under these circumstances, an applicant’s certification is not released until an official transcript showing
DNP degree conferral date is received by AANPCP.
Certification start date will be the date the score is released, not the date the examination was taken.
Retaking the Examination
The certification examination in the area of specialty may only be taken TWICE in a calendar year.





A calendar year is January 1st to December 31st.
To retake the examination, candidates are required to complete a minimum of 15 hours of continuing
education (CE) completed after the examination date which the candidate did not pass.
CE hours must be obtained from an accredited CE provider in the advanced practice role in the area(s) of
weakness indicated on their examination score report.
A general NP certification examination review course is not required and is highly recommended.
Candidates apply using the Certification Examination Retake Application and submit with applicable fee,
CE documentation, and RN license with expiration date.
Practice Examination
Practice Examinations provide individuals with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the format of test
questions on an examination. It is important to note that performance on the Practice Examination is not a
predictor of whether a candidate will pass the AANPCP competency-based examination. The Practice Examination
meets the same examination blueprint specifications, is similar to the Certification examination, and, like the
Certification examination, questions were developed by nurse practitioner content experts.
Candidates register for the examination at www.psiexams.com. Candidates should understand all of the following
prior to taking a practice test:









Taking, completing, and passing the Practice Examination does not in any way guarantee the passing of
the actual Certification examination, nor does it result in certification.
There is only one version of the A-GNP Practice Examination.
There is only one version of the FNP Practice Examination.
Each exam has 75 multiple-choice items.
Test takers have 90 minutes in which to complete the practice test and review their scores.
Unlike the scaled score reports of certification examination, the Practice Examination score is reported in
percentile.
Test scores remain confidential and are not accessible by, or used by, AANPCP for certification purposes.
Continuing education credit for completion of this activity is not awarded.
AANPCP staff do not have access to the practice examination and cannot respond to technical difficulties
that may arise during the administration of the exam.
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AANPCP Policies
Nondiscrimination
The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program does not discriminate among candidates with
respect to age, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, marital status, and sexual orientation, gender, or
gender identity.
Confidentiality and Disclosure
AANPCP Certificants, applicants, credentialing agencies, employers, and third-party vendors may order Primary
Source Verification of Certification of individuals who hold or have held active AANPCP certification. To protect the
confidentiality of applicants, written authorization is required before information is released regarding an
individual’s scores or status in the certification program.
Electronic online requests made by a vendor must be authorized by a candidate or certificant granting permission
to disclose verification of eligibility to test or to verify the NP’s certification. (See Primary Source Verification
Requests).
Sensitive and confidential information received by AANPCP is used solely for the purposes of certification and
verification and cannot be shared without written permission or required by law. Disclosure will not take place if it
violates an applicant, candidate, or a certificant right of privacy.
Candidate scores are considered confidential information. Individual scores are not included in the verification
documents sent to Boards of Nursing or other entities unless specifically requested in writing by the Certificant or
required by law. Individuals who wish to have their individual scores sent to their education program must request
that particular service in writing to AANPCP.
Aggregate Score Reports
Data summary reports for each specialization are compiled annually for nurse practitioner educational programs
for the purpose of provide information on student performance. To protect candidate confidentiality, Aggregate
Score Reports are sent to educational programs with three or more students testing for a given specialization during
a calendar year.
Disclosure will not take place if it violates an applicant or Certificant right of privacy. If a candidate wishes to have
individual scores sent to their education program, they must request that particular service in writing to AANPCP.
Records Retention
Certification records are considered confidential information. Records include, but are not limited to, RN licenses,
official and unofficial transcripts, continuing education documents, education records as defined by the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, financial data, and individual identifiable information/unique
identifiers as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
Data from paper records received are entered into a Certification Management System (CMS), the repository for
all certification and recertification applications, files, and pertinent and associated information. At such time that a
paper record is no longer required for the processing of an application or valued for its information, the paper
record is destroyed per AANPCP Records Management and Retention Policy. Information entered into the CMS
remains a permanent electronic record. In the event of a circumstance involving litigation, disposal of any
documents pertaining to the litigation will be suspended.
Appeals
Applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria set by AANPCP may appeal their denied application for initial or
renewal of certification. Appropriate and complete documentation must be submitted along with the required fee
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before the appeal can be reviewed. The appeal will be reviewed within 30 days of receipt of documents. Notice of
determination shall be provided to the applicant within 10 business days of the decision via electronic or paper
methods to include email and postal service. The appeal decision is final. There is no further appeal beyond this
point. The applicant will be responsible for any expenses incurred during the Appeals process.
AANPCP offers a review process for candidates who do not pass the examination and wish to have their exam
results reevaluated. Since examinations are computer-based and electronically scored, an exam rescore is limited
to verifying that the responses as scored were made by the examinee and were correctly transformed into a
scaled score. The rescore service is not a review of the exam content, what the correct answer should be, the
acceptability of testing conditions, or a reconsideration of the passing standard. Candidates will be charged a fee
of $150.00 (subject to change) for hand scoring by the testing vendor. Results of the rescore will be sent to the
candidate within six weeks of receipt of request.
Correspondence should be addressed to certification@aanpcert.org.
Special Accommodations/Arrangements
Candidates receive a 120-day window to test. This window allows candidates the flexibility of scheduling their test
around their personal schedule, employment schedule, religious needs, or any other issues without requiring the
need for additional accommodations or forms.
AANPCP complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990, updated 2010) and works with the testing
agency to provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations/arrangements for candidates with a disability who
submit appropriate documentation. Information is available on the AANPCP website: Non-Discrimination Policy.
Candidates requiring special accommodations must complete the PSI Special Accommodations Request Form and
fax it, along with documentation from the medical authority or learning institution that rendered a diagnosis to PSI
at (702) 932-2666. Verification must be submitted to PSI on the letterhead stationary of the authority or specialist
and include the following:




Description of the disability and limitations related to testing
Recommended accommodation/modification
Name, title, and telephone number of the medical authority or specialist
Original signature of the medical authority or specialist
Four (4) business days after faxing the form to PSI along with the supporting documentation, please call (800) 3671565, ext. 6750 and leave a voice message. A PSI Special Accommodations representative will call you back to
schedule the examination within 48 hours.
The PSI Special Accommodation Request Form is available on the AANPCP website for download, may be accessed
with the Candidate Information Bulletin for AANPCP online at www.psiexams.com. A copy is included in Appendix
F for viewing.
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Verification Requests
About Primary Source Verification





Verification request forms, fees, and additional information may be found online under the tab Verify
at www.aanpcert.org.
AANPCP Certificants, applicants, credentialing agencies, employers, and third-party vendors may order
Primary Source Verification of Certification of individuals who hold, or have held, active AANPCP
certification. Information accessed through this process is a reflection of AANPCP records.
While every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate and reliable, delays in
posting data, updating data, or human/mechanical error remains a possibility. AANPCP will not be liable
for any damages resulting from use of the information obtained through the verification process.
To protect the confidentiality of applicants, written authorization is required before information is
released regarding an individual’s scores or status in the certification program. Disclosure will not take
place if it violates an applicant, candidate, or a certificant right of privacy. Sensitive and confidential
information received by AANPCP is used solely for the purposes of certification and verification and
cannot be shared without written permission or required by law.
Active duty military personnel will not be charged a fee for a verification request.
Verification Processing Time


Candidates who pass the certification examination and have submitted all required documents should
allow 3 weeks after an examination is taken to allow for administrative processing time, authorization
of verification, and certificate preparation.
Nurse practitioners renewing their certification should allow up to 2 weeks after their certification has
been renewed to submit a verification request to allow for processing time.
State Boards of Nursing (SBON)





AANPCP provides verification of certification to SBON free of charge. Requests are usually processed
within one business day of receiving a State Board of Nursing Notification Form.
Requests for verification submitted too soon after a candidate tests may reflect that an individual is not
certified.
State Boards of Nursing are not automatically notified of an applicant’s Eligibility to Test or Exam Taken.
A completed State Board of Nursing Notification Form and fee is required to send state boards of
nursing and employers an official letter.
SBON notification is sent by email or regular mail according to individual state board preference.
Third-Party Vendor Request






Online verification request process is available at www.aanpcert.org under the tab Verify.
Processing time for a third-party vendor verification request of certification may take up to 10 business
days from receipt of request and is subject to fee.
A Primary Source Verification Order Form is available online.
Embossed mailed hard copies are available upon request.
Electronic online requests made by a vendor must be authorized by a candidate or certificant granting
permission to disclose verification of eligibility to test or to verify the NP’s certification.
Requests for Verification information will not be accepted or provided by telephone.
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
Renewal and Maintenance of Certification
CE requirements for certification renewal change effective January 1, 2017
Documents sent to AANPCP become the property of AANPCP. Individuals should retain copies of their records for
personal use and for their professional portfolio. AANPCP is under no obligation to return or issue copies of these
documents for future use by a Certificant. Failure to submit the required documentation or fees, or the submission
of duplicate or expired CE, will delay the review and approval of an application. Candidates found ineligible to renew
their certification through clinical practice and CE will be refunded the recertification application fee, less a
processing fee.
Certification Expires On or Before December 31, 2016
Option 1: Recertification by CE and Clinical Practice Hours






Minimum 1,000 hours of clinical practice as a Nurse Practitioner appropriate for the population of
certification.
Minimum 75 hours of continuing education (CE) applicable to the population focus.
Advanced practice pharmacology credits are encouraged, not required.
Precepting may not be used for credit.
Hold current and unencumbered RN licensure during the period of certification.
Meet all requirements within the current 5-year period of certification.
Option 2: Recertification by Examination

Take the appropriate certification examination congruent with educational preparation. (This is not an

Hold current and unencumbered RN licensure during the period of certification.
option for GNPs. This will not be an option for ANPs after 2016).
Certification Expires On or After January 1, 2017
Option 1: Recertify by CE and Clinical Practice Hours






Minimum 1,000 hours of clinical practice as a Nurse Practitioner appropriate for the population of
certification.
Minimum 100 hours of continuing education (CE) applicable to the population focus.
25 of the 100 CE hours must be advanced practice pharmacology credits.
Precepting of a NP or other advanced practice health care interdisciplinary student in an option that may
be used to replace up to 25 non-pharmacology credits. See the Conversion Table below.
Hold current RN licensure during the period of certification.
Meet all requirements within the current 5-year period of certification.
Option 2: Recertification by Examination

Take the appropriate examination congruent with the educational preparation. (This will not be an option
for ANPs after 2016. This is not an option for GNPs).

Hold current and RN licensure during the period of certification.
Renew by Clinical Practice and CE
Rationale for Requirements
Minimum 1,000 hours of clinical practice:


Allows full time faculty and directors of NP programs, required to maintain NP certification to be in
compliance with the National Task Force Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs (2012),
the ability to maintain certification with at least one-half day per week of direct clinical practice.
Allows individuals employed in administrative arenas whose position requires that they maintain current
NP certification the ability also to recertify using the same rationale and criteria.
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
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Is exceeded by the vast majority of AANPCP Certificants.
75+ hours of continuing education (CE):



Is consistent with NCSBN Model Nursing Practice Act and Model Nursing Administrative Rules (2011).
Meets the re-licensure continuing education required by most State Boards of Nursing for RN or APRN
renewal of 24 hours of acceptable CE during the most recent licensure period (which in most cases is a 2year period).
Will increase from 75 to 100 CEs for those recertifying on or after January 1, 2017.
25 CEs of pharmacology continuing education (CE):




Is consistent with most State Boards of Nursing for APRN licensure renewal.
Must be separately documented by the agency offering the CE.
Is optional for those recertifying before January 1, 2017.
Is required for those recertifying on or after January 1, 2017.
Application Process






Certificants may begin their application process 12 months before the expiration date of their current
certification.
Paper applications are available and may be downloaded, saved, and printed. A fee is charged for processing
of paper applications received via mail, email or fax.
Applications may be completed online at www.aanpcert.org. Certificants creating an On-line Profile
account for the first time must allow 2 business days for linking of previous certification information
with the new application in the Certification Management System (CMS).
To avoid loss of information submitted, an application must be completed in its entirety within 30
days once started.
While every effort is made to process applications before an expiration date, applications received less
than 8 weeks prior to expiration of the current 5-year certification period may not be able to be
processed in time due to volume.
Required information includes a record of NP clinical practice hours and work practice sites, CE
certificates, RN/APRN license with current expiration date, and appropriate fee payment for processing
an application.
Clinical Practice Requirement




Current requirements include 1,000 hours of clinical practice in the certificant’s role and population
focus (Adult, Adult-Gerontology, Family, or Gerontologic) during the 5-year period of certification.
Clinical practice as a nurse practitioner in a volunteer capacity is recognized and accepted for
recertification purposes.
An official detailed description of the clinical practice activities performed may be requested.
Clinical practice hours completed outside of the 5-year period of certification will not be counted.
Continuing Education
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
CE completed must be accredited, in the advanced practice role, and documents submitted must include
the Certificant name, CE topic, program sponsor, date of attendance or completion, number of
pharmacology contact hours awarded, number of non-pharmacology contact hours awarded, and the
name of the CE accreditor.
Graduate and post-graduate courses are accepted if directly related to NP advance practice. Courses are
subject to approval. A transcript is required and a course description may be requested.
Conversion: 1 academic semester credit = 15 contact hours.
Pharmacology CE is required for renewal beginning January 1, 2017.
Basic Life Support (BLS) and non-clinical, college courses are not accepted for CE credit.
CE documents submitted are audited for relevancy, hours, and accreditation by appropriate authorizing
entities.
Certificants are advised to check with their State Board of Nursing for additional RN/APRN licensure
requirements.
CE hours completed outside of the 5-year period of certification will not be counted.
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
Precepting
Credit for Precepting is consistent with demonstration of continuing competence and professional involvement.
Clinical practice hours providing direct patient care while serving as a preceptor can be claimed for a maximum of
25 non-pharmacology continuing education credits. Beginning January 1, 2017, Preceptor hours accrued during the
5-year period of certification may be used for renewal.
Preceptorship Hours


Must be conducted at the advanced practice level, in the
certificant role and population focus with graduate-level
students, and may be part of a formal Inter-professional
Education (IPE) program (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy,
physician assistant) organized in collaboration with a student’s
course faculty, academic advisory, and partners of a clinical site
or organization.
Must be documented, verifiable, and conducted within the 5year certification period. AANPCP reserves the right to request
additional supporting documentation for validation of
preceptorship.
How to document preceptor hours






Preceptor hours should be recorded on the Preceptorship Form,
located on the webpage at www.aanpcert.org and submitted
with the application for renewal. Do not submit separately.
Preceptor Site information must include the complete name,
address, and zip code for each practice site.
The Faculty Coordinator’s contact information for each student
precepted must be complete.
Complete as many forms as necessary to account for
preceptorship sites and students.
Incomplete Preceptorship Forms will result in delays in
processing or not be used for CE credit.
Forms must be signed and dated indicating that the Attestation
Statement has been read and acknowledged.
CONVERSION TABLE
CLINICAL HOURS
1 – 5 hours
6 – 10 hours
11 – 15 hours
16 – 20 hours
21 – 25 hours
26 – 30 hours
31 – 35 hours
36 – 40 hours
41 – 45 hours
46 – 50 hours
51 – 55 hours
56 – 60 hours
61 – 65 hours
11 – 70 hours
71 – 75 hours
76 – 80 hours
81 – 85 hours
86 – 90 hours
91 – 95 hours
96 – 100 hours
101 – 105 hours
106 – 110 hours
111 – 115 hours
116 – 120 hours
121 - 125 hours
CE CREDIT
= 1 CE
= 2 CE
= 3 CE
= 4 CE
= 5 CE
= 6 CE
= 7 CE
= 8 CE
= 9 CE
= 10 CE
= 11 CE
= 12 CE
= 13 CE
= 14 CE
= 15 CE
= 16 CE
= 17 CE
= 18 CE
= 19 CE
= 20 CE
= 21 CE
= 22 CE
= 23 CE
= 24 CE
= 25 CE
Conversion of preceptor hours into CE credits


Calculation of 120 clinical hours is based on being a preceptor 8
hours per week for one semester (i.e., 15 weeks x 8 hours/week = 120 hours).
Use the Conversion Table to convert the number of clinical preceptor hours into CE credits.
Renewal by Examination
The examinations are psychometrically sound and legally defensible, and provide evidence of the attainment of
knowledge, skills, and abilities required for entry-level clinical practice as a nurse practitioner. The ability to pass
the current exam is, therefore, considered evidence of continued competence, thereby assuring current
competence at the time of recertification by exam.
Application Process



Certificants may begin their application process 12 months before the expiration date of their current
certification.
It is recommended that applications be submitted 120 days prior to the certification expiration date to
allow sufficient time for testing and receipt of scores.
Paper applications are available and may be downloaded, saved, and printed. A fee is charged for processing
of paper applications received via mail, email or fax.
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016




Applications may be completed online at www.aanpcert.org. Certificants creating an On-line Profile
account for the first time must allow 2 business days for linking of previous certification information
with the new application in the Certification Management System (CMS).
To avoid loss of information submitted, an application must be completed in its entirety within 30
days once started.
A notice of approval to sit for the examination will be sent via email. (See: Taking the Examination).
Candidates found ineligible to sit for the examination will be refunded the registration fee less a
processing fee.
Procedure for Certificants Who Attempt to Recertify by Examination and Fail



Certificants who meet requirements for clinical practice and continuing education, yet choose to
recertify by examination and fail, may still apply for recertification by CE and clinical practice hours as
long as they meet the minimum requirements and the certification has not expired.
See Retaking the Examination.
Certificants who do not meet requirements for clinical practice and continuing education and choose to
recertify by examination and fail may apply to retake the examination provided they do not test more
than twice in a calendar year and the examination is not retired.
Certificants whose Certification Program is Retired
Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
The Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) certification examination will be retired in December 2016. Renewal of ANP
certification by examination will no longer be an option when the exam is retired. ANPs currently certified through
AANPCP as an ANP will continue to be certified and recognized by AANPCP as an ANP as long as recertification
requirements are met and the certification does not expire. ANPs who allow their certification to expire after 2016
will be unable to recertify as an ANP.
Gerontologic Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
Individuals currently certified by AANPCP as a Gerontologic Nurse Practitioner (GNP) will continue to be certified
and recognized by AANPCP as a GNP as long as recertification requirements are met and the certification does not
expire. The Gerontologic Nurse Practitioner Certification examination was retired in December 2012, therefore,
recertifying by examination for GNPs is no longer an option. GNPs who allow their certification to expire will be
unable to recertify as a GNP. GNPs should check with their individual State Boards of Nursing for further
requirements or stipulations.
AANPCP will provide Verification of Certification with the dates in which the certification was valid.
AANPCP is not responsible for financial damages occurring with respect to expiration of a certification due to failure
of a Certificant to renew their certification in a timely manner prior to expiration.
Certification Expired
Nurse Practitioners who allow their AANPCP certification to expire may not use the NP-C® credential or present
themselves as an AANPCP-certified nurse practitioner. Individuals whose certification has expired risk potential
loss of employment, wages, insurance reimbursement, or credentialing privileges. AANPCP is not responsible for
financial damages occurring with respect to expiration of a certification due to failure of a Certificant to renew their
certification in a timely manner prior to expiration.
State Boards of Nursing regulates an APRN’s ability to practice. Individuals whose certification has expired are
responsible for notifying their SBON if certification is required for practice in the state.
Certification Expired; Renewal Requirements were MET:
Individuals who have met the minimum clinical practice and CE requirement within the 5-year period for which the
Certificant was certified and did not apply in time to avoid expiration of their certification, must contact the
Recertification Department. The following conditions must be met in order to apply for renewal reactivation:
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016






Individuals must apply using the paper Recertification by Continuing Education and Clinical Hours
application.
The minimum clinical practice and CE requirement must have been completed within the 5-year period
for which the Certificant was certified.
Current RN/ APRN licensure is required.
A letter must accompany the paper application explaining the reason why the expired certification
should be reactivated.
Required documents and applicable fees must be submitted before the application can be forwarded for
review.
AANPCP does not expedite processing of applications.
Certification Expired; Renewal Requirements were NOT MET:

Certificants found ineligible to renew their certification through clinical practice and CE will need to
certify by examination as an initial applicant. RN licensure with expiration date and applicable fees must
be submitted before the application can be forwarded for review. AANPCP does not expedite processing
of applications.
Verification Requests
Requests for verification of a certification received from a State Board of Nursing or third-party vendor will reflect
the current status of the certification.
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
Appendix A - AANP Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
Appendix B - AANP Standards of Practice for Nurse Practitioners
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
Appendix C - AANPCP Examination Content and Blueprint
Examination Description
Examination forms are assembled, reviewed, and verified to ensure that each examination addresses a broad array
of patient conditions. Rigorous exam development processes, known as a Practice Analysis, or Role Delineation
Study, are used to guarantee quality and competency-based certification examinations. Practice analysis
methodology is designed to adhere to best practices in the testing industry and align with certification accreditation
standards promulgated by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification and the National
Commission for Certifying Agencies.
A Practice Analysis involves creation and validation of a structured description of the practice of a profession and
is the first step in AANPCP's development of new certification examinations. The practice description process
involves identifying the Domains, Tasks and Knowledge areas for each of the population focus NP certification
examinations. This is initiated by a task force of subject matter experts, under the direction of an independent
examination development consultant, utilizing nationally established NP core and population specific
competencies. The process includes delineating commonly seen patient conditions and identifying procedures
performed in clinical practice, which are then validated via survey research. Adult, Family, and Adult-Gerontology
Primary Care Nurse Practitioners engaged in clinical practice, working with different patient populations, from
different U.S. geographical areas participated in each of the surveys. Information obtained from the surveys
provides the foundation for each of AANPCP exam blueprints, and guides decisions regarding percent of questions
from each domain and task for the exam. Domains and tasks rated as most important by survey respondents will
have the most questions devoted to those particular domains and tasks on the examination.
AANPCP certification examinations test the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for entry-level NP advanced
practice; are focused solely on requirements for safe clinical practice; and are limited to content that can be tested
in an objective format. Practice analyses are performed every five years. Examinations, using current year
therapeutic clinical guidelines, are developed annually for the following year.
How many questions are on the examination?
There are 150 questions on each of the certification examinations. Of the 150 questions, 15 are pretest questions. A candidate's
score is based solely on the 135 scored questions.
What is a Pretest Question and how is it scored?
Pretest questions are questions developed during the process of Item Writing. Pretest questions are used on the examinations
to statistically determine how well they perform prior to vetting them for use on the scored portion of an examination. Pretest
questions cannot be distinguished from those that are scored. The test-taker’s performance on a pretest question does not
affect a candidate's final score.
Test Content
Test content outline for existing AANPCP examinations is process focused, based on the assessment, diagnosis, planning, and
evaluation components of patient care, and associated with the APRN role, population foci, wellness-illness continuum, and
associated problem areas.
 The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) examination tests clinical knowledge of family/individual across the life span of
prenatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, elderly, and frail elderly primary care.
 The Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) examination tests clinical knowledge of adolescent, adult, elderly and frail elderly
primary care.
 The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP) examination tests clinical knowledge of young
adults (including adolescents and emancipated minors), adults, and older adults (including young-old, old, and old-old
adults).
 Content Outlines identify the proportion of questions from each domain that appear on the exam. Percentages are used
to determine the number of test questions related to each domain and task that appear on the multiple-choice
examinations.
 Specific age parameters are not defined for any population. AANPCP uses growth and development as the basis of
age-related changes for constructing the certification exams.
 Knowledge Areas serve as the basis for the certification test blueprints, and Testing Domains contain the knowledge
and skills required to competently perform tasks for the Adult, Family, and the Adult-Gerontology examinations.
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
KNOWLEDGE AREAS: ADULT NURSE PRACTITIONER EXAMINATIONS
2011 Practice Analysis
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Health promotion and disease prevention
Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
Therapeutic communication
Health history
Signs and symptoms
Physical examination
Diagnostic and therapeutic tests and /or procedures
Clinical decision-making
Differential diagnosis
Pharmacological therapies
Non-pharmacological /complementary/alternative therapies
Bio-psychosocial principles /theories
Patient and Family education and counseling
Community resources
Healthcare economics and practice management
Evidence-based practice
Legal and ethical issues
Cultural competence
Principles of epidemiology
EXAMINATION BLUEPRINT FOR ADULT NP EXAMINATION
# of Items
(135-item exam)
DOMAIN I
DOMAIN II Patient Age Ranges
# of Items
(135-item exam)
Percentage
of Items
01 – Assessment
48
Adolescent
8
6.1%
02 – Diagnosis
33
Adult
58
43.1%
03 – Plan
31
Geriatric
53
39.0%
04 – Evaluation
23
Frail elderly
16
11.7%
135
100%
TOTAL
135
TOTAL
ASSESSMENT TASKS:
Obtain subjective patient information including relevant medical, social and family history, chief complaint, history of
present illness, and review of systems to determine health needs and problems by:
•
Interviewing patient/family/appropriate others
•
Reviewing records
•
Identifying health and medical risk factors
Obtain objective information based on patient age and health history to further define health needs and problems by:
•
Performing physical examinations
•
Ordering/performing/supervising diagnostic tests
•
Ordering/performing/supervising appropriate screening tests
DIAGNOSIS TASKS:
Formulate differential diagnoses by:
•
Synthesizing and analyzing subjective/objective information
•
Prioritizing potential diagnoses
Establish definitive diagnoses by:
•
Ordering, performing, supervising, and interpreting additional diagnostic test
•
Performing and interpreting additional physical examinations
•
Synthesizing and analyzing additional information
AANPCP I P.O. Box 12926 Austin, TX 78711-2926 I Phone 512-637-0500 I Toll 855-822-6727 I Fax 512-637-0540 I www.AANPCERT.org I Page 27
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
PLANNING TASKS:
Establish the plan of treatment/care in order to address the diagnoses by:
•
Ordering, performing, supervising, and interpreting further tests
•
Prescribing/ordering/administering pharmacological therapies
•
Prescribing/ordering/administering non-pharmacological therapies
•
Providing relevant education
•
Making appropriate referrals to, and consultations with, other health professionals and
community resources
•
Providing for appropriate follow-up
•
Including patient/family/appropriate others as active participants
EVALUATION TASKS:
Determine the quality and effectiveness of plan of care based on outcomes by:
•
Reviewing patient and caregiver responses(s)
•
Collecting additional subjective/objective information as needed
Modify the plan of treatment/care based on outcomes by:
•
Ordering, conducting, supervising, and interpreting further tests
•
Adjusting therapies
•
Providing additional education
•
Making appropriate referrals/consultations
•
Providing for appropriate ongoing follow-up
•
Including patient/Family/appropriate others as active participants
AANPCP I P.O. Box 12926 Austin, TX 78711-2926 I Phone 512-637-0500 I Toll 855-822-6727 I Fax 512-637-0540 I www.AANPCERT.org I Page 28
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
KNOWLEDGE AREAS: ADULT-GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER
EXAMINATION
2012 Practice Analysis
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
Health promotion, disease prevention, and anticipatory guidance
Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
Therapeutic communication
Health history
Signs and symptoms
Physical examination
Diagnostic and therapeutic tests and /or procedures
Clinical decision-making
Differential diagnosis
Pharmacological therapies
Polypharmacy
Non-pharmacological /complementary/alternative therapies
Bio-psychosocial principles /theories
Patient, Family, and caregiver education and counseling
Community resources
Evidence-based practice
Legal and ethical issues
Ethnocultural and spiritual competence
Principles of epidemiology
Health literacy
Principles of risk management
Palliative and end of life care
EXAMINATION BLUEPRINT FOR ADULT-GERONTOLOGY NP EXAMINATION
# of Items
(135-item exam)
DOMAIN I
DOMAIN II –
Patient Age Ranges
# of Items
(135-item exam)
Percentage
of Items
01 – Assessment
47
Adolescent
9
6.7%
02 – Diagnosis
34
Adult
59
43.7%
03 – Plan
30
Geriatric
50
37.0%
04 – Evaluation
24
Frail elderly
17
12.6%
135
100%
TOTAL
135
TOTAL
ASSESSMENT TASKS:
Obtain and document subjective patient information including but not limited to relevant medical history (e.g., social,
economic, environmental, family, military, travel, occupational, and health promotion/protection), chief complaint,
history of present illness, and review of systems to determine health needs and problems by:
•
Interviewing patient/family/appropriate others
•
Reviewing records
•
Identifying health and medical risk factors
•
Evaluating caregiver competence as appropriate
Obtain and document objective information based on patient age, health history, comorbidities to further define
health needs and problems by:
•
Performing physical examinations
•
Ordering/performing/supervising diagnostic tests and procedures
•
Ordering/performing/supervising screening tests
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
DIAGNOSIS TASKS:
Formulate differential diagnoses by:
•
Synthesizing and analyzing subjective/objective information
•
Prioritizing potential differential diagnoses
•
Differentiating between normal and abnormal changes associated with development and aging
Establish definitive diagnoses by:
•
Ordering, performing, and interpreting additional diagnostic test
•
Performing and interpreting additional physical examinations
•
Synthesizing and analyzing additional information
PLANNING TASKS:
Establish an age appropriate, patient centered, culturally sensitive, cost-effective plan of care to address the diagnoses
by:
•
Ordering, performing, supervising, and interpreting further tests
•
Prescribing/ordering/administering pharmacological therapies
•
Prescribing/ordering/administering non-pharmacological therapies
•
Providing relevant education
•
Coaching the patient and caregiver
•
Making referrals to and consultations with other health professionals and community resources
•
Providing for appropriate follow-up
•
Including patient/family/appropriate others as active participants
•
Utilizing evidence-based criteria (for example, Quality, safety, and outcomes)
•
Considering co-morbidities
•
Encouraging advance care planning
•
Serving as a patient and family advocate
•
Managing transitions between health care settings
EVALUATION TASKS:
Determine the effectiveness of plan of treatment/care based on outcomes by:
•
Reviewing patient responses(s)
•
Collecting additional subjective/objective information as needed
Modify the plan of treatment/care based on outcomes by:
•
Ordering, conducting, supervising, and interpreting further tests
•
Adjusting therapies
•
Providing additional education
•
Making appropriate referrals/consultations
•
Providing for appropriate ongoing follow-up
•
Including patient/Family/appropriate others as active participants
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
KNOWLEDGE AREAS: FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER EXAMINATIONS
2015 Practice Analysis
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Health promotion, harm reduction, and disease prevention
Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
Therapeutic communication, change management, and crisis management
Health history
Sign and symptoms
Physical examination
Diagnostic and therapeutic tests and/or procedures
Clinical decision-making
Differential diagnosis
Pharmacological therapies
Non-pharmacological/ complementary/ alternative therapies
Biopsychosocial principles/theories
Patient and family education and counseling
Community resources
Healthcare economics
Evidence-informed practice
Legal and ethical issues
Cultural competence
Principles of epidemiology, population health, and social determinants of health
Practice management
EXAMINATION BLUEPRINT FOR FAMILY NP EXAMINATION
# of Items
(135-item exam)
DOMAIN II Patient Age Ranges
# of Items
(135-item exam)
Percentage
of Items
01 – Assessment
48
4
2.9%
02 – Diagnosis
33
Prenatal
Pediatric (includes
Newborn & Infant)
19
13.6%
03 – Plan
31
Adolescent (early / late)
24
18.0%
04 – Evaluation
23
Adult
50
37.0%
Geriatric
29
21.6%
Frail elderly
9
6.9%
135
100%
DOMAIN I
TOTAL
135
TOTAL
ASSESSMENT TASKS:
Obtain subjective patient information including but not limited to relevant medical history (including biopsychosocial,
economic, environmental, family, military, travel, occupational, preventive components), chief complaint, history of
present illness, and review of systems to determine health needs and problems by:
•
Interviewing patient/family/appropriate others
•
Reviewing records
•
Obtaining information regarding additional healthcare providers involved in patient care
•
Identifying both patient- and population-specific health, medical, and psychosocial risk factors
Obtain objective information based on patient age/developmental level, health history, and comorbidities to further
define and evaluate health needs and problems by:
•
Performing physical examinations
•
Ordering/performing/supervising diagnostic tests and procedures
•
Ordering/performing/supervising screening tests
AANPCP I P.O. Box 12926 Austin, TX 78711-2926 I Phone 512-637-0500 I Toll 855-822-6727 I Fax 512-637-0540 I www.AANPCERT.org I Page 31
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
DIAGNOSIS TASKS:
Formulate differential diagnoses by:
•
Synthesizing and analyzing subjective/objective information
•
Prioritizing potential differential diagnoses, including recognizing urgent and emergent conditions
Establish definitive diagnoses by:
•
Ordering, performing, and interpreting additional diagnostic tests
•
Performing and interpreting additional physical examinations
•
Synthesizing and analyzing additional information
PLANNING TASKS:
Establish a safe plan of patient-centered treatment and care that is individualized, cost-effective, consistent with best evidence,
age-appropriate, and culturally-sensitive in order to address the diagnoses by:
•
Considering co-morbidities
•
Ordering, performing, supervising, and interpreting results of further tests
•
Prescribing, ordering, and administering pharmacological therapies
•
Prescribing, ordering, and administering non-pharmacologic therapies and/or procedures
•
Providing relevant education and/or counseling
•
Providing anticipatory guidance, health promotion, and injury prevention
•
Making referrals to and engaging in consultation with other health professionals and community resources
•
Including patient/family/appropriate others as active participants
•
Providing for appropriate follow-up
•
Responding to patients in urgent and emergent situations
EVALUATION TASKS:
Determine the effectiveness of the plan of treatment and care based on outcomes by:
•
Assessing patient response(s)
•
Collecting additional subjective and/or objective information as needed
Modify the plan of treatment and care as appropriate based on outcomes by:
•
Ordering, conducting, supervising and interpreting further tests
•
Adjusting therapies
•
Providing additional education
•
Initiating referrals and consultations
•
Coordinating follow-up and monitoring plan of care
•
Including patient, family, and/or appropriate others as active participants
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
Appendix D - Reference List for 2016 Certification Examinations
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2015). Red book: 2015 report of the committee on infectious diseases. (30th ed.). Kimberlin, D., Long,
S., Brady, M., & Jackson, M. (Eds.). Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.
Arcangelo, V.P., & Peterson, A.M. (Eds.). (2013). Pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice: a practical approach. (3rd ed.).
Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Ball, J., Dains, J., Flynn, J., Solomon, B., & Stewart, R. (2015). Seidel’s guide to physical examination. (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby/
Elsevier.
Beckmann, C.R.B., Ling, F.W., Herbert, W.N.P, Laube, D.W., Smith, R.P., Casanova, R. … (2014). Obstetrics and gynecology. (7th ed.).
Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Bickley, L. (2013). Bates' guide to physical examination and history-taking. (11th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins
Burns, C. E., Dunn, A. M., Brady, M. A., Starr, N. B., & Blosser, C. G. (2013). Pediatric primary care. (5th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier
Saunders.
Buttaro, T.M., Trybulski, J., Bailey, P.P., & Sandberg-Cook, J. (Eds.). (2013). Primary care: A collaborative practice. (4th ed.). St. Louis, MO:
Mosby/Elsevier.
Cabana, M. (2015). 5-minute pediatric consult standard edition. (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Canadian Pharmacists Association. (2014). Compendium of therapeutic choices (CTC7). (7th ed.). Toronto: Webcom Inc.
Cibulka, N. J., & Barron, M. L. (2013). Guidelines for nurse practitioners in ambulatory obstetric settings. New York, NY: Springer
Publishing Company, LLC.
Collins-Bride, G. M. & Saxe, J. M. (Eds.). (2013). Clinical guidelines for advanced practice nursing: An interdisciplinary approach.
(2nd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Colyar, M. (2015). Advanced practice nursing procedures. (1st ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company.
Copstead, L. C. (2013). Pathophysiology. (5th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
Cunningham, F., Leveno, K., Bloom, S., Spong, C., & Dashe, J. (2014). Williams obstetrics. (24th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Decherney, A.H., Nathan, L., Laufer, N. & Roman, A.S. (Eds.). (2013). Current diagnosis & treatment: obstetrics & gynecology.
(11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Domino, F. J., Baldor R. A., Golding, J., & Grimes, J. A. (2014). (Eds.). The 5-minute clinical consult 2014. (22nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Domino, F., Baldor, R., Golding, J., & Stephens, M. (2016). The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2016. (24th ed.). Philadelphia, PA:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Dunphy, L. E., Winland-Brown, J. E., Porter, B. O., & Thomas, D. J. (2015). Primary care: The art and science of advanced practice
nursing. (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis Company.
Duderstadt, K. G. (2014). Pediatric physical examination. (2nd ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
Engorn, B., & Flerlage, J. (Eds.). (2015). The harriet lane handbook. (20th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders/Elsevier.
Esherick, J. S., Clark, D.S., Slater, E.D., (Eds.). (2014). 2014 CURRENT practice guidelines in primary care. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Ferri, F. F. (2015). Ferri’s clinical advisor 2015: 5 books in 1. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby/Elsevier.
Ferri, F. F. (2016). Ferri's clinical advisor 2016: 5 books in 1. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
Flaherty, E., & Resnick, B. (Eds.). (2014). Geriatric nursing review syllabus: a core curriculum in advanced practice. (4th ed.). New York,
NY: American Geriatric Society.
Gilbert, D. N., Chambers, H. F., Eliopoulos, G. M., & Saag, M. S. (2014). The sanford guide to antimicrobial therapy 2015. (45th ed.).
Sperryville, VA: Antimicrobial Therapy, Inc.
Goolsby, M.J. & Grubbs, L. (Eds.). (2015). Advanced assessment: Interpreting findings and formulating differential diagnoses. (3rd ed.).
St. Louis, MO: Mosby/Elsevier.
Habif, T. (2016). Clinical dermatology: A color guide to diagnosis and therapy. (6th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
Hamilton, R.J. (2015). Tarascon pharmacopoeia. Burlington, MA: World Headquarters Jones & Bartlett Learning.
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
Hammer, G.D., & McPhee, S.J. (2014). Pathophysiology of disease: An introduction to clinical medicine. (7th ed.). New York, NY:
McGraw-Hill.
Hay, W.W., Levin, M.J., Deterding, R.R., Abzug, M.J., & Sondheimer, J.M. (2014). Current diagnosis & treatment: pediatrics. (22nd ed.).
New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Jensen, B., & Regier, L.D. (Eds.). (2013). Rxfiles drug comparison charts. (9th ed.). Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
Kennedy-Malone, L., Fletcher, K. R., & Martin-Plank, L. (2014). Advanced practice nursing in the care of older adults. Philadelphia, PA:
F. A. Davis Company.
LeBlond, R. F., Brown, D. D., & Suneja, M. (Eds.) (2014). DeGowin’s diagnostic examination. (10th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Marcdante, K., & Kliegman, R. (2015). Nelson essentials of pediatrics. (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders/Elsevier.
Moore, K.L., Agur, M.R., & Dalley, A.F. (2014). Essential clinical anatomy. (5th ed.). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Pagana, K. D., Pagana, T. J., & Pagana, T. N. (2015). Mosby’s diagnosis and laboratory test reference. (12th ed.). St. Louis, MO:
Mosby/Elsevier.
Papadakis, M., McPhee, S. J., & Rabow, M. W. (2015). Current medical diagnosis and treatment 2015. (54th ed.). New York, NY: McGrawHill.
Papadakis, M., McPhee, S., & Rabow, M. (2016). Current medical diagnosis & treatment 2016. (55th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Paul, J., Matheny, S., & Lewis, E. (2015). Current diagnosis & treatment in family medicine. (4th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Pender, N., Murdaugh, C., & Parsons, M. (2015). Health promotion in nursing practice. (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Potter, M., & Moller, M. (2016). Psychiatric-mental health nursing: From suffering to hope. (1st ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Rhoads, J., & Murphy, P. J. M. (2015). Clinical consult to psychiatric nursing for advanced practice. (1st ed.). New York, NY: Springer
Publishing Company.
Schaider, J., Barkin, R., Hayden, S., Wolfe, R., Barkin, A., Shayne, P., & Rosen, P. (Eds.). (2015). Rosen & barkin's 5-minute emergency
medicine consult. (5th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health.
Skinner, H.B., & McMahon, P.J. (2013). Current diagnosis & treatment: Orthopedics. (5th ed.) New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Starkey, C., & Brown, S. (2015). Examination of orthopedic & athletic injuries. (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company.
Thaler, M. (2015). The only EKG book you'll ever need. (8th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
Tusaie, K.R. & Fitzpatrick, J.J. (Eds.). (2013). Advanced practice psychiatric nursing: integrating psychotherapy, psychopharmacology,
and complementary and alternative approaches. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.
Uphold, C. R., & Graham, M. V. (2013). Clinical guidelines in family practice. (5th ed.). Gainesville, FL: Barmarrae Books, Inc.
Venes, D. (2013). Taber's cyclopedic medical dictionary. (22nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis Company.
Weber, E. C., Vilensky, J. A., & Fog, A. M. (2013). Practical radiology, a symptom-based approach. Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis Company.
Wells, B., DiPiro, J., Schwinghammer, T., & DiPiro, C. (2015). Pharmacotherapy handbook. (9th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Whalen, K. (2015). Lippincott illustrated reviews: Pharmacology. (6th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
Williams, B., Chang, A., Landefeld, C., Ahalt, C., Conant, R., & Chen, H. (2014). Current diagnosis and treatment: Geriatrics. (2nd ed.).
New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Wolff, K., Johnson, R. A., & Saavedra, A. P. (Eds.). (2013). Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology. (7th ed.). New
York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
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Appendix E - Sample Questions
Listed below are examples of the type of questions that are on the certification examinations. They range from
knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical assessment, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up to testing
for synthesis of information in clinical decision making while carrying out those activities.
The following questions are examples only. These questions are not updated annually like the actual
examinations. No correct answer is given since answers may change with evolving evidence.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
A patient who presents with fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, tonsillar exudate, and fine maculopapular
rash most likely has:
a. streptococcal pharyngitis
b. secondary syphilis
c. pharyngeal candidiasis
d. mononucleosis
A 24 year-old patient complains of intermittent heartburn, which has become worse since he started his
new job. The discomfort is worse after eating and at night, and is relieved by antacids. Your most likely
diagnosis is:
a. diffuse esophageal spasm
b. infectious esophagitis
c. gastroesophageal reflux disease
d. carcinoma of the esophagus
A 65 year old patient presents with a history of recurrent right upper quadrant pain associated with
intermittent nausea and vomiting. Laboratory tests reveal isolated elevations of serum alkaline
phosphatase and normal amylase levels. Physical examination results are within normal limits. The
tentative diagnosis is:
a. biliary obstruction
b. peptic ulcer
c. chronic pancreatitis
d. hepatic dysfunction
A 37 year-old male diagnosed with hypertension has been treated with a low sodium diet and
hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 50 mg qd for the past two months. He denies Family history of cardiovascular
disease. At today's follow-up visit his BP=150/90 and T=I00 F. Physical examination reveals no bruits,
clear chest, no atrial gallop, edema and tenderness of the left ankle, and an intact neurological system.
Which laboratory values will provide the most useful follow-up information?
a. serum sodium and potassium
b. total serum cholesterol and serum glucose
c. serum uric acid and complete blood count
d. blood urea nitrogen and creatinine
In order to determine the presence of postural hypotension, blood pressure should be taken in which of
the following positions?
a. sitting to standing
b. supine to sitting
c. supine to standing
d. standing to supine
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
6.
7.
8.
9.
A 16 year-old female patient presents with an edematous ankle. Your examination reveals a pinpoint
wound at the lateral aspect of the ankle and X-rays show a distal fibular fracture. In addition to managing
the fracture, which intervention is most appropriate?
a. administer tetanus prophylaxis and submit wound scraping for culture
b. irrigate the wound and apply topical antibiotic
c. administer tetanus prophylaxis and prescribe oral antibiotics
d. apply topical antibiotic and cover the wound with a sterile dressing
Conductive hearing loss involves the:
a. inner ear
b. middle ear
c. 5th cranial nerve
d. 8th cranial nerve
A 70 year-old female with urinary stress incontinence should be instructed to:
a. perform abdominal strengthening exercises twice a day
b. perform pelvic floor muscle (Kegel) exercises 100 times per day
c. perform pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises 35-40 times per day
d. void frequently
The hormone responsible for producing a positive pregnancy test is:
a. Human chorionic gonadotropin
b. Estradiol
c. Human growth hormone
d. Progesterone
10. A 78 year old patient presents with complaints of left-sided "rib pain" during the past few days. The
patient also complains of headache, a feverish feeling, and general malaise. Physical examination reveals
an area of papular eruptions with a few vesicles on the left side of the chest. The most likely cause of the
patient's symptoms is:
a. herpes zoster
b. eczema
c. intertrigo
d. actinic keratosis
11. A seven year old who presents with two lesions on the extremities is diagnosed with impetigo. Which
topical treatment is most appropriate?
a. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin) cream
b. Mupirocin (Bactroban) cream or lotion
c. Hexachlorophene emulsion (pHisoHex)
d. Acyclovir (Zovirax) ointment
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program Handbook - April 2016
Appendix F - Special Accommodations Request Form
See AANPCP Policies: Special Accommodations/Arrangements for information. This form is available as
a PDF at www.aanpcert.org.
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THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS NATIONAL CERTIFICATION BOARD
THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS NATIONAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (AANPCP)
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APRIL 2016